400 mm f/2.8 L Mk I

[Michael_pfh]

I really prefer to not use a head when I use my 400mm 2.8 IS MK I on a monopod. The head is just a wobble point and a little more weight. You twist the camera to vertical in the tripod collar.

IS is awesome on this lens, and if you think you don't need it because you'll be on a tripod, you are wrong. Lenses of this size and focal length wobble on the heaviest and most expensive tripod. If your shooting in bright daylight at 4000 sec, no you don't need it, but I shoot night sports and trust me IS makes a big difference.

I do not use a head when using my 400 2.8L on a monopod, either. Since the lens weighs 6.1kg I prefer to use it on a tripod using a Manfrotto 393. The lens does not wobble on my tripod (Manfrotto cx055pro4).

Of course it would be nice to have IS so that I could use it handheld like my 300 2.8L II but considering the weight I wouldn't do that often anyway...

 

[gary samples]

Wimberley version II if you have the money is the only way to go. I love it ! so glad I didn't cheap out .

 

[charlesa]

I have an opportunity to sell version 1 of the 400 mm f/2.8 L, at a profit! Not sure whether to go for 400 mm f/2.8 II or 200-400 (but second option entails a wait of n months and a cost of n euro!). Ideas?

 

[Loswr]

I have an opportunity to sell version 1 of the 400 mm f/2.8 L, at a profit! Not sure whether to go for 400 mm f/2.8 II or 200-400 (but second option entails a wait of n months and a cost of n euro!). Ideas?

Given the choice between a vaporware lens and the 400 II, I'd pick the latter. Unless you require the flexibility of the zoom for framing, the prime will almost certainly offer better IQ and it will be a stop faster, plus you can use a 2x TC if necessary.

 

[charlesa]

I have an opportunity to sell version 1 of the 400 mm f/2.8 L, at a profit! Not sure whether to go for 400 mm f/2.8 II or 200-400 (but second option entails a wait of n months and a cost of n euro!). Ideas?

Given the choice between a vaporware lens and the 400 II, I'd pick the latter. Unless you require the flexibility of the zoom for framing, the prime will almost certainly offer better IQ and it will be a stop faster, plus you can use a 2x TC if necessary.

Thank you neuro, could possibly wait a bit more and see if that 200-400 mm surfaces any time soon, but last I heard photogs at the Olympics had access and the lenses looked close to a final version... but Olympics are now 8 months old and no news of the lens. It would help with the framing as you say, but in the end, a prime is a prime.